BIDDEFORD — People dressed up in their best Saturday to take in a runway show and dance to benefit a renovation project and some local charities.

Those folks streaming through the door of the Pepperell Mill Campus were glad to be there ”“ and to express their enthusiasm about downtown Biddeford’s renaissance.

Karin Gregory, who recently opened a law firm in Biddeford, said she was looking forward to the evening’s events ”“ part of the resurgence of the city.

Donna McNeil of Portland, retired from her job as director of the Maine Arts Commission, said she remembers when the agency gave Biddeford its first arts-related grant, and said the renaissance here is surging ”“ with the Biddeford Ball an example of the city’s growth.

“Biddeford has so much potential,” she said.

Others agreed.

“This is another step forward in the process of rehabbing Biddeford,” one man said.

The ball was the brainchild of Roxi Suger and her husband Julian Shlaver, who moved here in 2013. Suger operates an apparel design company called Angelrox and a storefront called Suger on Main Street.

The event was not only a symbolic moment in the rebirth of the city, it was also a benefit ”“ 25 percent of the proceeds were to go to three missions supported by Union Church: Stone Soup Food Pantry, the Saco meals program and Seeds of Hope neighborhood center. The remaining 75 percent was earmarked to help the exterior renovation effort of the Marble Block at 129 Main St., the home of Engine, a nonprofit community arts organization.

Before the dance was a runway show of fashions, featuring models like Biddeford Mayor Alan Casavant, Rev. Jan Hryniewicz of Union Church and others, like Michael Nadeau, who works at Southern Maine Health Care in Biddeford.

Hryniewicz was to wear Angelrox for her first-ever walk on a runway ”“ clothing in a sea of blues and green, soft, earthy and natural, she said.

Nadeau was to model a flannel shirt, jeans and boots from Portland Dry Goods ”“ what he said was a marked change from his usual dress pants and white shirt.

“This is great for the City of Biddeford,” he said of the event.

“I think this is fabulous,” said Caryn Firebaugh, who spends summers at Biddeford Pool.

“We’re here to support Biddeford,” said Bob Sherman of Goose Rocks Beach.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or [email protected].